Hangzhou is preparing to stage two prestigious International Canoe Federation events in 2026 as it continues to cement itself as a global centre for paddle sport.
The Chinese city will play host to this year’s ICF Dragon Boat World Championships and ICF Hangzhou Super Cup from September 30 to October 3 at the Fuyang Water Sports Centre.
A special ceremony took place in Hangzhou on Wednesday where a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was agreed between the ICF and the Hangzhou Sports Bureau.
Signed by ICF President Thomas Konietzko and Hangzhou Sports Bureau Director Yang Yingying, the agreement formalises cooperation between the two parties and signals the full implementation phase of the 2026 competitions.
The logo for the World Championships was also revealed, bringing together the dynamic spirit of Dragon Boat racing, the natural beauty of Fuchun Mountain and the cultural symbolism of Hangzhou’s iconic arch bridges in a design that reflects both tradition and modernity.
“The 2026 ICF Dragon Boat World Championships will mark a historic first, bringing this prestigious event to mainland China for the very first time,” said Mr Konietzko.
“This is a significant milestone for the development of Dragon Boat worldwide.
“Following the great success last year in The World Games in Chengdu where Dragon Boat was included for the first time as an official sport and was the most watched sport of the event, and following the successful inclusion of Dragon boat as a demonstration sport at the Olympic Games in Tokyo and Paris, this step further strengthens the sport’s global recognition and future.”
With the Dragon Boat World Championships taking place alongside the Super Cup, a total of 65 medal events will be held across four disciplines.
Canoe Sprint, Canoe Slalom, Dragon Boat and Stand Up Paddling will all be staged at the Fuyang Water Sports Centre, with around 1,000 athletes from more than 40 countries expected to compete.
The programme will include a mass participation SUP race, allowing amateur paddlers to compete alongside elite athletes, reflecting a broader vision of inclusivity and public engagement.
“Hangzhou has become a true global centre for paddle sport since the ICF established its Asia-Pacific headquarters here in 2024,” said Mr. Konietzko.
“With the strong support of our close partner, the Hangzhou Municipal Sports Bureau, we have already delivered several landmark events in this city.
“These include the inaugural multidisciplinary paddling event Hangzhou Super Cup in 2024 and the first Paddle Sports Summit in 2025.
“This year, alongside the World Championships, we will host the second edition of the Hangzhou Super Cup, bringing together the world’s top paddlers once again.
“I am confident these events will further enhance Hangzhou’s reputation as a leading international sports hub and bring lasting value to the city.
“On behalf of the ICF, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our partners, organizers, and supporters who have made this vision possible.
“We look forward to an unforgettable championship in 2026 and to continuing this exciting journey together.”
Held at the International Show Venue of Yishang Town in Linping District, the ceremony also served as the opening international event of the 2026 Zhejiang International Fashion Sports Week.
Speaking at the event, Liu Jian concluded with a strong commitment to making the 2026 event a major success, reinforcing Hangzhou’s promise to build itself as an “International Event City.”
He invited canoeing, dragon boat, and SUP enthusiasts from around the world to come to Hangzhou during the 2026 National Day holiday.
“Bring your family and friends to Fuyang, enjoy the thrilling races, experience the cultural charm of Song Dynasty, visit the ‘Heaven on Earth’ and marvel at the beauty of Fuchun Mountain. It will be an unforgettable sports, cultural, and tourism feast of a lifetime,” he said.
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